This week, let’s cut to the chase with a single image that speaks volumes about running outdated tech:
If that visual of a stone-age car in a modern world resonates, you’re already getting the message. But for those who need a bit more convincing, let’s elaborate on why clinging to SQL Server 2012 in 2024 is, well, a bit of a meme itself – and definitely not in a good way.
SQL Server 2012 Support Officially Ended July 12, 2022. Let That Sink In.
Yes, you read that right. We’re not talking about some distant future date. July 12, 2022, has passed. This wasn’t just the end of mainstream support; this was the extended support finish line.
Okay, technically, there are Extended Security Updates (ESU) available for a few more years. But these are strictly for critical security vulnerabilities. Think of ESU as life support, not a long-term solution. If you encounter any other issue – performance problems, bugs, compatibility headaches – and you reach out to Microsoft support, the most likely (and frankly, reasonable) advice you’ll receive is: “Upgrade your SQL Server.”
And honestly, they’d be right. SQL Server 2012 is over a decade old. In tech terms, that’s practically ancient history. Using it now is increasingly becoming a meme – a humorous, if slightly embarrassing, representation of clinging to the past. It’s like comparing a state-of-the-art smartphone to a brick phone; both make calls, but the experience is worlds apart. SQL Server 2012, in today’s landscape, is starting to feel like the “poor version” when stacked against modern database technologies.
Let’s Be Fair, SQL Server 2012 Was Innovative… Once.
It’s easy to poke fun now, but let’s remember SQL Server 2012 wasn’t always the “poor version” of SQL Server. Back in its day, it was actually quite a significant release, especially when compared to its predecessors, 2008 and 2008 R2. While my review of 2008 R2 pointed out its incremental nature, 2012 brought some genuinely game-changing features.
Remember the excitement around Always On Availability Groups? It was intended to revolutionize high availability and disaster recovery. While the initial implementation had its quirks, the concept was groundbreaking.
And what about columnstore indexes? Okay, in their initial SQL Server 2012 iteration, they were limited (read-only tables, anyone?). But they were a forward-thinking investment in technology that Microsoft has continuously refined. Today, in 2024, columnstore indexes and Availability Groups are robust and widely adopted features.
(Whispers from the tech team…) Okay, fine, maybe Always On Availability Groups can still be… challenging for some. But they are definitely widespread!
The Bottom Line: SQL Server 2012 is a Liability in 2024.
Stop making your production environment a meme. If you’re still running SQL Server 2012 in production today, it’s not just outdated; it’s becoming a business risk. It’s time to have a serious conversation. Start by asking a simple question: “Is it acceptable for application ___ to be running on an unsupported version of SQL Server?”
The answer, in almost every scenario, should be a resounding “No.” Upgrade. It’s not just best practice; it’s essential for security, performance, and future-proofing your systems. Don’t let your database infrastructure become the tech equivalent of a Flintstones car – a funny meme, but completely unsuitable for the modern road.
